Happy New Year!

It's been a week since I last posted and I don't know where the time has gone. We had a lovely Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The children were thrilled with all their presents (and so was I!!). Yes, I did get my much wished for camera and I am very happy. Emily has been giving me a few tips, but it is quite straight forward to work. I am now planning to take lots more photos, particularly of my crafting.

We have also had some fun on the Wii over Christmas as we all got some new games (apart from Mark that is). I got the Wii Fit Plus and we have all been having a go - I'm not that great, but it's a laugh. I still reign supreme at Ski Jump.

Unfortunately I came down with a streaming cold on Boxing Day evening which laid me out for a few days. It was such a hardship to have a sofa day watching Crafts on QVC all day!! A few purchases made me feel better.

I did have to cancel my friend the next day as I was still feeling very poorly, which also meant I couldn't go to London with her the the day after. Even today I still don't feel 100%, although miles better than I did.

New Years Eve is going to be a quiet one tonight - just staying in, the four of us. Emily has been out with her friends this afternoon and Edward has had his friend Sam round for a play. Mark has just ordered us a curry for our tea,and there is a bottle of champagne in the fridge for later.

Need to think about my New Year's Resolutions for 2010,and maybe if they are in print, I might stick to them!

I think one would be to try and feel less stressed and be happier. Life seems to have been particularly tough over the last couple of years and I would like things to calm down.

I would like to give more of my time to my crafts and document them more. I would definitely like to give scrap booking a go - I have enough stuff to start me off.

I would like to feel more organised and in control - things have been slipping of late and it has made me feel panicky.

I would also like to feel more relaxed and to stop having panic attacks over things outside of my control.

And finally, the usual one, the one I never seem to succeed at - weight loss. Nothing else needs to be said!!

Well there we are, we shall see. I will keep you posted on the progress of these five resolutions. wish me luck (and good luck with any you make)!

Happy New Year!!

M x

Christmas Eve and Christmas Cupcakes

Well, we have finally got there. The house is clean and tidy, the presents are all wrapped, the decorations are up and some Christmas cooking has been done.

And finally . . . the snow is melting! I thought I would show you the lovely photo of our Pyracantha covered in snow, that Mark took earlier in the week. It really makes me feel Christmassy. I actually feel in the mood now, particularly as everything has come together well today.

And here are the results of my cooking labours today - Christmas Cupcakes. They are vanilla flavoured with Christmas coloured icing. Edward and I had great fun with the decorations. I am a big fan of edible glitter now, so no doubt all my cupcakes in the future will be suitably sparkly! I can feel another trip to the cake decorating shop in the New Year for further supplies!

Fingers crossed that Father Christmas looks kindly upon me and brings me a new camera tomorrow - I really hope so. Emily's camera gives such great results and is much easier to use. Edward is hopeful too, as I have promised him my old one if I get a new one.

I like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy New Year.

Lots of love

M x

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree . . . .

M x

Tis the season to be jolly . . . . .

I'm finally feeling a bit more Christmassy. It's been quite a long slog to get to this point, but I think I am there! Today I have wrapped up all the Christmas presents and am feeling rather virtuous. We have got the decorations down from the loft and Mark has made a start by putting the lights up outside. Even the tree is up, though not decorated. The children have both been out today so we are waiting for us all to be here to do it.

Even the snow outside is making a difference, although I was disappointed that the school was closed yesterday and we didn't finish the term properly. I still have gifts to give out, but they will have to wait til the New Year now. The children were happy with their day off and had a great time playing in the snow, although I was feeling grumpy and didn't even take any photographs.

Talking of which, I am really hoping I get a new camera for Christmas (please, please, please!). I will feel more inspired to take lots of photos and post more on my blog. I'm also hoping to get a little be more creative and have some fun with my hobbies in the New Year. I need to get back to my lovely hexagonal blanket which has been on hold for some time.

I had a smallish disaster with my beautiful Rowan wool this week. I spilt red wine in the bag my wool was kept in!! After some quick action, I think I have salvaged most of it, but I'm not sure how much has seeped into the ball. Luckily my crochet only uses small amounts at a time so I should be OK (I hope), otherwise it will be an expensive accident.

We are off out tonight to a Christmas meal with the balloonists. We weren't going to go, but haven't seen some of the crowd for ages so we thought we ought too. Poor Mark will have to drive because of the weather as I don't drive when it is snowy and icy.

It does mean, however, that I will miss the final of Strictly Come Dancing. I am recording it, but I hope I don't find out who has won until I get to watch it. In theory it should be Ricky Whittle as he is the best dancer, but Chris Hollins is well loved. We shall see.

Time for me to say goodbye. Til the next time.

M x

The Fruits of My Labours (Part 2) . . . .

These photos were supposed to be on the other post, but seem to have become lost in the ether!

I really like the flower corsages below, particularly the red one in the middle of the bottom row. In fact, it didn't sell, so I get to keep it!!

The little hair clips sold very well. I bought plain clips from Claires Accessories (£2.00 for 6) and decorated them with flowers that I had already made - simple!

Pretty cool!

M x

The Fruits of My Labours . . .

I have been so busy lately and have been very bad about posting any news. I apologise for my absence. Apart from my usual manic home life, I have been trying to get organised for Christmas. I have planned a big shopping trip to Milton Keynes on Friday where I hope to get everything finished. I am quite happy to leave the wrapping up until I finish work but I don't want any last minute shopping (I hate shopping!!!). Thank heavens for the Internet - I have been able to do at least half my shopping on-line.

I have also been busy sorting out the house in time for our Italian exchange student, who has been with us since last Thursday and goes home tomorrow. Emily's room needed a massive turf out (14 years worth of toys!!). We said goodbye to all the Barbies and Polly Pockets.

Our student, Giorgia, is delightful and we have had a jolly time. We spent the day in London on Sunday and went to Harrods - total madness, as well as lunch at Planet Hollywood and then the London Eye in the evening.

My evenings over the last few weeks, have been spent preparing for our school Christmas fair. I had a stall selling crocheted corsages, hair clips and bird decorations. I did very well, it was very successful! Here is a selection of my wares . . .

So, I hope you can understand why I haven't been around much. Oh, did I mention that I went to see New Moon again?! Just as good second time around.

Time to go to bed now, it's been a long week and it's only Tuesday.

Ciao!

M x

New Moon today - hurrah!

Went to see the the second installment of the Twilight Saga with high expectations, and came home feeling very happy. I really enjoyed the film immensely, but will definitely go and see it again.

I'm just going to let the photos speak for themselves - enjoy!


M x

Naughty Blogger!

Well where has the time gone? It's been simply ages since I last wrote, and I promised photographs of my latest crafty items. Well, I'm going to disappoint I am afraid. Things have been really hectic here recently, but I am not going to bore you with the details of the hum drum, so I'm a little behind. I am hoping to rectify all that soon.

I have several Works In Progress, which will be photographed in the next couple of weeks - I'm just waiting to put the finishing touches on them so that they are perfect!

I have just finished The Time Traveler's Wife - oh my goodness, what a wonderful book. I couldn't wait to finish it, but sometimes it was so sad and I had to put it down and not read it because it would have made me fall apart. I thoroughly recommend it - it's fantastic.

I am very excited because I am going to see New Moon on Sunday (the second in the Twilight saga for those of you who don't know what I'm talking about!). I can hardly wait, and I know I will have to go see it for a second time.

I'm going to sign off as the washing up is shouting at me. Hopefully I won't leave the blogging so long next time (never say never!!).

M x

Halloween

Look at our fab pumpkin that Mark carved - it's wild! Last year we decided to get more adventurous and we had a scull. This year we have gone for the spooky house. I don't think we will go back to the boring face again. I did try and persuade Mark to do a Twilight pumpkin, even showed him where to get the templates from, but I can't think why he didn't agree!

This week of half term has been too busy and too short! We have been blitzing Em's bedroom - 14 years of never throwing anything away - OMG! We now have stuff everywhere, things to Ebay, things to take to the charity shop and things to take to the tip. Not to mention all the piles of paper and old magazines that have gone in the recycling box - and we still haven't finished! This was a job for the summer holidays that never got started, and what has prompted it now is an Italian exchange student coming in just over a month.

I think I mentioned at the start of the week that I had begun my Christmas cards - sadly that is still the case and they are nowhere finished - could do with another week all to myself. So no photos of my creativity to display I am afraid.

Have been making my crocheted corsages, but haven't managed to sell anything yet. Have sold over £40 worth of cards this week which is a bonus. Have another little crocheting project on the go, but it is not ready to be revealed quite yet. Have to say I am loving using the Rowan Cashsoft 4-ply yarn - it is so soft.

I have not been feeling very relaxed this week and have been sleeping too well - I think it is because there is a lot happening and I am feeling anxious that there is too much to do.

One highlight of the week was a trip up to Milton Keynes to see The Sound of Music. It was utterly wonderful. It's a show I have always wanted to see, so when my friend told me it was coming and asked if I wanted to go with her - I couldn't say no. Em came with us and had a great time too. We came away with a singing goat which sings The Lonely Goat Herd - seeing is believing!!

As you can see from the photos, Connie Fisher was Maria which we were very pleased about. She was made for the part - she was superb. We had a meal in a nearby restaurant before the show and she was in there having a quick bite to eat too - spooky!

See ya!

M x

It's been ages!

I can't actually remember what I last blogged about, so forgive me if I repeat myself.

Em had a fabulous time in Greece - three days in Athens and three days in Thessaloniki. She visited lots of different churches and temples, as well as the Parthenon and the Acropolis. I'm so glad that she had a great time, I was a bit worried because no one from her friendship group went, but that didn't deter her. Her pictures were really good - more serious than her usual jokey, random ones.

Just got Em back and then Ed went off for his first residential school trip - five days at a PGL camp in the Brecon Beacons. I had to pack an immense amount of clothes to cover all the activities, bearing in mind two wet activities and the time of the year. Monday morning came round too quickly and I didn't like saying goodbye to him. He was a brave little soldier and didn't cry, although his chin trembled. Because he kept himself together meant that I was able to, which was just as well as I had to go straight in to work!

I was glad to have work as a distraction this week as I really missed Ed. The problem was mainly the lack of contact. When Em is away, at least she takes her phone. I was so relieved to get a letter from Ed on Thursday which was very positive.

He got home around 7pm on the Friday evening - very happy and did not stop talking! He had such a great time and participated in all the activities. His new career goal is to become a PGL instructor!

And now it is half term - thank goodness! No real plans for the week apart from chilling and being creative. Hopefully by the end of the week I will have loads of photos to post of my achievements. My two main projects are crocheted corsages which have been put on Ebay, and I have started my Christmas cards - I know I don''t usually like to mention the dreaded C word in October, but I am happy to have made a start.

Tomorrow night Em and I are off to Milton Keynes to see The Sound of Music. I am really excited, and Em is hiding her excitement well!! Connie Fisher has the starring role and Michael Praed is Captain Von Trapp.

On major countdown to New Moon opening on 20th November - I can hardly wait. You may have

noticed from the sidebar that I am rereading the saga (although I have just lent out Breaking Dawn to a friend and she is a really slow reader!!). Also have got the soundtrack, which I am starting to enjoy. You never know, I may just watch Twilight again this week to get me in the mood!

What a nice note to end on! Ta ta!

M x

A creative weekend!

Here are a couple of cards that I made over the weekend, using the Craftwork Cards Colour-Me-Ovals. I decided to use a different colour scheme and papers (DCWV paper stack).

Here are the two cards that I made to give to Ed for his trip to PGL next week. We were supposed to write letters but I thought Ed would appreciate these more. I thought I would go up the humour route. The first card has some do's and don'ts and some pictures of his favourite things.

The second card is more of a mini-album, a board book. It's all about PGL and we super-imposed Ed's head on some of the activity pictures - hopefully it will make him laugh!

Well it's only Tuesday and I am already worn out. Last night and tonight we went to view a secondary school that we hope Ed will go to. We went again tonight because we didn't get to see it all last night. We really hope Ed gets in there because it's everything we want, and he does too.

Tomorrow night it is Parents' Consultation at Ed's primary school.

Em hasn't been in touch much from Greece - I think she is saving all her texts for the boyfriend! She did send me a message via Facebook (free Internet access to hotel guests!!). Sounds like she is having a great time.

Mark persuaded me to post some photos of my cards on Facebook, which I did and now I have an order for 5 cards which is totally unexpected. I don't think I thought it through thoroughly. I would like to make some crocheted corsages to sell, so I need to get my act together with that one.

Anyhow, this was only supposed to be a short post and here I am wittering on.

Adios mi amigos - hasta luego!

M x

What a busy week!

Wow - it's been a crazy week! After not being well at then end of last week, and sadly not making it to Harvest Festival, this week just hasn't let up.

Em and I went clothes shopping (for her, not for me) on Saturday, which went well although I still wasn't feeling very well. Then Em's boyfriend Will came round for the afternoon and stayed for dinner. I had to take him home at 9.15 because his parents weren't able to pick him up. Ed had a presentation about himself to prepare for his homework, which he did on Sunday, and Mum and Dad and Tracy came for dinner - phew - exhausting! Then to top it off, I didn't sleep on Sunday night, well no more than 2 hours,so I was on fine form for work on Monday!!

Work has gone really well this week - busy, but that is just how I like it. We have been making Christmas cards (bit early) and the class produced some great efforts. I am really enjoying working with the current Year 5, some lovely children, and the class teacher, Mrs H is just lovely.

Mark was away for work on Monday and Tuesday and back on Wednesday in time to go to Simon Balle Open Evening. Ed is still set on going to Richard Hale. Em was at Will's and we had to pick her up on the way home.

Thursday Ed had a football match after school (unfortunately they lost), then it was straight home to start getting Em ready for her trip to Greece on Saturday. Managed to get most of her clothes packed without falling out with her! She went off to Guides and I chilled out briefly.

Friday was all about finishing of the packing. Em saw Will until 7pm and then we finished off her case. There is always so much to organise for these trips. Next week I will be concentrating on Ed for his trip to PGL. We are supposed to write letters for him to get whilst he is away, but I have something much more creative in mind!!

On to Saturday (yesterday) - dropped Em at Stansted at 8am and then spent the rest of the day getting over a manic week. Ed had a football match in the morning, but the rest of the day consisted of chilling! I did start a little bit of card making,but nothing is finished yet. I have also had a play around to get some ideas for this year's Christmas Card. Am quite pleased with the results so far.

It is now late in the afternoon on Sunday. I have had a productive afternoon making Ed a couple of things for his trip to PGL. Am hoping to post them tomorrow when Mark has scanned them. Also finished off the four cards (2 designs) that I started yesterday. Even had time for a little hoover and tidy, although sadly not as far as the bathroom!

Well that's all for now - hopefully I will hear from Em sometime soon. Watch the blog for some photos soon.

Take care now.

M x

P.S. This week coming promises to be as crazy as the one just gone - hang onto your hats!!!!

Feeling Poorly Today

I am not feeling on top of the world at the moment - got a nasty cold and feeling a little bit sorry for myself. It's been coming for a couple of days, usual sore throat and headache, but started to feel really grotty at work yesterday. I decided to stay at home today, and I am really glad I did because I have been feeling quite rough. Apart from putting washing out, I haven't done anything but sit on the sofa and watch TV. Actually I watched a couple of films from the Planner - The 40 Year Old Virgin (which I liked despite some really bad language) and 27 Dresses (which was lovely).

Edward had a cold at the beginning of the week which seems to have cleared up and Emily is feeling a bit under the weather like me - actually I thought she would try to stay off school once she knew I wasn't going to work, but she surprised me. I hope I feel better tomorrow because it is Harvest Festival (Edward's last) and I would like to go, but I'll have to see how I feel. Fortunately, Mum and Dad are going, so he will have someone to support him.

Edward is really getting on well with his saxophone. He likes his new teacher and she seems to be giving him some more interesting pieces to play - which he is keen to practise. He picks things up very quickly.

Anyway, it will soon be time for me to meet him from school - he is going to meet me half way (can't get used to this independence LOL!!).

M x

And another week over!

Hi everybody! I can't believe I have been back at school for 3 and a half weeks already - where has the time gone? Work is going really well, very busy, but that helps to pass the time. I am really enjoying this new school year so far, and my new class.

It's been quite a busy week in other ways, with meetings at both schools. I had to go to Emily's school for a meeting about Emily's trip to Greece in two weeks - what a lucky girl she is! The trip looks fantastic, I wish I was going. At least this trip is a proper educational one - Theology and Philosophy - and she will learn a lot. Mark had to go to Edward's school at the same time to meet Edward's new teachers after his current teacher goes on maternity leave in a few weeks time. The the next night, Mark and I were back at Emily's school finding out how we are going to cope with her during the next two years whilst she is studying for her GCSEs - no miracles there unfortunately!! Apparently it is all about finding a balance - HOW??!!

Edward put himself forward for Student Council this week, and made a good job of his campaign. Unfortunately he didn't get elected, but it was a closely run election for his year. He was disappointed, but he has done it before - so at least he has had the opportunity.

As I said, busy, busy - and dealing with a truculent teenager as well!

Edward had a football match this Saturday which they lost 5-4, but they deserved to win. Then he had a great afternoon because two of his friends came round to play and stayed for tea. He really enjoyed himself. Emily was out for most of Saturday, round her friend's house for a birthday party until 9pm.

As you will see from the photos, I have had a busy weekend - more cupcakes (chocolate and vanilla ones) and some new card designs. The cakes were yummy and I hope you like the cards. I have been using the Sorbet Souffle papers again, but got a little bored, so I tried something else.

Well, that's all folks!! Nothing more to write about and Blogger is playing up - I seem to have been fighting technology all day - haven't the patience for it now. Besides, Doc Martin is about to start! Laters!

M x

Busy Busy!!

Well another week has gone and I don't know where the time has gone Not been feeling tip-top this week, don't know why. Just incredibly tired and a niggly sore throat. Fortunately it hasn't come to anything - the dreaded Swine Flu is never far from our thoughts at the moment.

Have been a busy bunny this weekend, although with more fun pursuits than last week's jobs. I finished the eighth round on my hexagonal blanket (and all the ends have been sewn in, how virtuous!!). Doesn't it look splendid on my bed. Edward has been laying on it, all day!

I've only made one card this weekend (it was a commission - yet another new baby boy card). I used an existing design, but just updated it with some brown to go with the blue and white. Quite pleased with it, hope my client is!

I've recently bought a new recipe book, The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook. It's basically all cakes, muffins and other goodies - yum, yum! Look what I've made today - vanilla cupcakes and lemon cupcakes - they look so good. I really like the pastel coloured frosting on the vanilla ones. I may have to update my food colouring collection to include lilac and maybe tangerine - how exciting!!

Also very excited this weekend because Strictly Come Dancing has returned (Mark not so pleased!). Have had to watch it on catch-up due to timings this weekend, trying to fit in two night's worth is a bit tricky, I'll be happier when it is just on a Saturday night.

I've now read all of my True Blood/Sookie Stackhouse books (eight in total). The next one doesn't come out in paperback until next year sometime, so I'll have to be patient. Perhaps I'll read the Twilight Saga again, although I have lent out New Moon, and I know I'll finish Twilight before my friend finishes Twilight! So I am a bit stuck for reading material at the moment - I don't like it when I don't have a stack of books waiting to be read!

Week 2 of our meal planner has been a success. It has certainly made the pair of us more relaxed knowing a meal is planned and shopped for, and I think we are spending less. Having said that, this week's meals are a bit more basic because it is the end of the month! So far so good though.

That's all folks!

M x

P.S The cupcakes were delicious!! What shall I make next weekend?